Torquay's defensive options are boosted with the return of centre-back Krystian Pearce.

Pearce missed their midweek defeat at Burton through suspension but is available to return to action at Plainmoor as the Gulls look to end a run which has seen them take one point from a possible 15.

Fellow centre-back Aaron Downes is ruled out although the 28-year-old Austrialian hopes to resume training on Monday, just three weeks after a knee operation.

French midfielder Damien Mozika looks set to be involved in the squad again as he builds up his fitness followed his arrival at the club. Fellow new addition, West Ham striker Paul McCallum, is pushing for a start.

Sonny Bradley will be missing for Portsmouth.

The defender is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in Tuesday night's abandoned 1-1 draw against Wycombe.

Joe Devera is set to move across to centre-half in Bradley's place with either fit-again Danny East (hamstring) or Shaun Cooper filling in at left-back.

Strikers David Connolly (calf) and Tom Craddock (knee) miss out again, although they are due back in training soon, while defender Marcos Painter (calf) remains on the sidelines.